LEWISTON –

Bishop Richard J. Malone described emergency personnel from across the state as “co-workers with God in protection of the common good” during a Blue Mass conducted Sunday at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Malone paid tribute to “the tremendous and noble work of public safety officials, first responders, firefighters, police officers” and others “whose work to preserve law and order saves communities from the reign of anarchy and chaos.”

It was the third annual Blue Mass in Lewiston, which is held on the Sunday nearest to Sept. 11 in order to remember the emergency personnel affected by terrorist attacks on that date in 2001.

The event was held “most especially to thank those who serve us everyday,” said Sue Bernard, communications director of the Diocese of Portland.

In his homily, Malone honored many categories of public safety personnel, including local fire and police departments, county sheriffs’ departments, Maine State Police, Maine Forest Service, Maine Warden Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and several area EMS units.

“Today, we come to this basilica to gather around those who are committed to do the work of public safety,” Malone said. “Know how grateful we are to you, and for you.”

He pointed out that public safety personnel are responsible at all times “in one way or another of saving people from the forces of destruction in the many forms that destruction can take.”

He also told the public safety personnel to “remember your own needs for God’s saving love” as they carry out their dangerous and challenging work.

The basilica was filled with blue uniforms of police and fire department personnel, as well as red and green coats of other Maine services and plaid kilts worn by bagpipers and drummers.

Many of the public safety personnel wore dress uniforms with white gloves, while others were in their normal uniforms of daily police and EMS work. Some were seated with family members and others in groups with their comrades. The men and women in uniform ranged from their early twenties to retirement age.

Among those participating in readings and other elements of the Mass were John Woulfe, president of the Maine Fire Chiefs Association and Rumford’s fire chief; Donnie Carroll, executive director of the Southern Maine EMS; and Margo Fitzgerald, an IRS special agent.

The ceremony ended with the congregation singing “America the Beautiful” as the colors were paraded to the rear of the basilica.

Outside the massive granite building, a large American flag flew below an arch formed by extended ladders between Auburn and a Lewiston firetrucks. The flag and the basilica’s towering spires provided a spectacular setting for the event.

For the first time at this Mass, the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps performed outside the Basilica before and after the Mass.

Several public safety vehicles representing law enforcement, fire fighting and medical/rescue units were parked on streets near the basilica.

A reception followed the celebratory event in the lower level of the basilica.

There, Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, who is a former Lewiston police chief, recalled that Police Memorial Day had formerly been observed at St. Patrick’s Church in mid-May, but the events of 9/11 led to the date change. He also noted that there is a “Red Mass” for lawyers and a “White Mass” for medical personnel.

“In a sense, it fuels your tank when you’re currently serving to know that people recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that you make on a daily basis,” Gilbert said.

Among dignitaries in attendance were U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, Diana Allen, who is wife of U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, Gilbert and Auburn Mayor John Jenkins.